President's Page October 2002

President's Page
October 2002

Talking to SARA members makes one realize how many different aspects of this hobby we are trying to pursue. And we do it from so many different angles.

My SARA email sorts into: 1420MHz, 4/12GHz, 408MHz, Antennas, Data recorders/clocks, Education/Beginners, Gamma Ray Bursts/HEP/SID/Interference, Interferometers, Jupiter, LNA/Downconverters/Radios, Magnetic/Seismic, Meteors, Pulsars, SETI, Software, Solar, and VLF. And still a few end up in a general miscellaneous category. Much like ham radio, none of us can pursue all of these.

As scientists (I think we all loosely fit that category) and experimenters, we all have to maintain a passing interest in many areas. It's the true "specialists" that worry me. To them, every problem looks like a nail, because all they have is a hammer.

Most SARA members are the Clark Kents of the world.. mild mannered technicians, teachers, engineers, students, computer scientists, by day.. and radio astronomers in their spare time.

Quite often I hear some beginner being lectured about how they're going about something all wrong (usually by a specialist, or "Analyst" as we'll later call them, doing the lecturing). But I often wonder how many discoveries were made by someone who hadn't heard that it was "impossible".

Our varied backgrounds can well make that difference. And one must remember that all of us are not in it for some sort of competitive reasons. Some are in it for the joy of doing and learning. So the building of a project may well be more enjoyable than using it. Don't berate them for "optimizing" something endlessly. Perhaps teaming up with them, would provide the complementary skills, to get them over the hump, and on to observing occasionally.

I've seen many members stuck because they don't have the: software, hardware, astronomy, (fill in the blank__), skills to make it over these "humps". But often a group of three or four members, interested in the same specialty area, can fill in the blanks and make a real difference to each other.

Paul Shuch continues to massage our Members' Annex web pages to focus on what is going on out there among the members, and who the "Practicians" are that can help. Visit http://radio-astronomy.org often to see what the latest happenings are among SARA members. And better yet, contact Paul, or myself, or the Journal Editor, to share your experiences.

As part of this, I have to share an interesting webpage with you: http://www.zeta.org.au/~ollaneg/exp_modes/beware.htm. Steve Olney, VK2ZTO of Sydney Australia nicely synthesizes what we often experience on the Internet (and in real life) among the varying personalities. With his permission:

Things to Look Out For...

There are a few lessons I have learned as a result in engaging in the fun art of experimenting. I was a bit naive (and I guess I remain so) coming to the world of internet communication. I made some naive assumptions and have been surprised, amused and sometimes angered by what I have encountered. However, overall and taking all things in equal measure, the internet has provided a rich source of information, communication and knowledge. The experiences you have on the internet are shaped by the people you meet and just as the driving behaviour of a person reveals much about their personality, the internet also tends to amplify or exaggerate personal characteristics. People you meet can be broadly broken down into different groups who all have their place. From my point of view, some have been more helpful than others. Note of course that we all fit into one group or another to some extent at some time - including myself.
The Dreamers

Characterised by the love of experimentation and always dreaming of making a new discovery or different approach. I tend to lump myself in with this lot (you might have different opinion). Flits from one technological flower to another (look at my website :-). Says they are going to do this and that, but actually usually only half finishes most things. Once the challenge of learning something new is gone its onto the next challenge.
The Practicians

Keep and eye out for the members of this group. These are the ones that I reckon you should associate with if you are into experimentation. They are identified by being moderate, supportive (even when they might think what you are doing is a bit off the wall) and are more interested in having a go than simulating and analyzing things to death. Usually, but not always, have a site filled with practical information on how to do things and what they have done.
The Analysts

No matter what idea you have, he can find a million reasons why it is not practical, not useful, or has already been done (usually by himself in some obscure way). Usually associated with extensive mathematical analysis applied to almost any question, even the most passing casual remark. Keep clear of a member of this group, as he can run you ragged in circular arguments for months. Don't try and compete - he is an expert. I do experimentation as an exercise in freedom of thought. Beware the technological thought police.
The Egotists

Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against ego. I have a fairly healthy one myself. If you didn't have an ego you might not get out of bed in the mornings !!! It is just that ego should be applied in reasonable quantities - like chili sauce - just enough spices things up - too much is a major irritation. Usually associated with trumpeting that everything they do is better, bigger, faster and just plain superior to anything you might have the temerity to proffer. Can sometimes engage in intellectual sabotage - arising from the fear that you might do something that is better than their efforts. Desiderata.
The Nutters

There's room for all persuasions. My website has attracted more than several from this group over time - especially the radio astronomy section (some see this as communicating with aliens). Be kind - I definitely don't believe in aliens, but they could be right and you wouldn't want to pass up a ride in an alien spacecraft (without the obligatory medical examination thank you very much) would you ?
Conclusion

Associate with those who have a like mind and tolerate others that don't with as much humour as you can muster. Don't let them upset you or discourage you. Remember, experimentation is meant to be fun and is meant to be a freedom from restriction in thought.
So let's be tolerant of differing skills and perspectives. Don't discourage sharing what others have done, and their experiences along the way. But above all keep communicating. And if you find yourself constantly encountering "Analysts", look for more "Practicians". SARA is full of them. They just do a poor job of tooting their own horn.

Charles Osborne
SARA President
president_at_radio-astronomy_dot_org
October 2002